The House Appropriations Committee has unveiled the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill, which is set for subcommittee consideration on June 10. The bill aims to address national security threats through significant investments in military capabilities and modernization.
Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert emphasized the importance of maintaining American military superiority. "Keeping Americans safe amidst mounting national security threats around the world requires a significant and multi-faceted investment in our military," he stated. The bill, combined with defense funding from Congress's reconciliation process, is expected to push total defense spending over $1 trillion in the next fiscal year.
Chairman Tom Cole highlighted historical lessons guiding current defense strategies. "George Washington counseled that the best way to preserve peace is to be prepared for war," he noted. Cole pointed out that the bill focuses on deterrence and building a capable fighting force.
The FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill allocates $831.5 billion, matching last year's level, and aligns with the America First agenda. It supports advancements in aircraft technology, nuclear modernization, unmanned systems, missile defense, space programs, and hypersonics.
Key provisions include an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for military personnel starting January 1, 2026, and measures to improve servicemembers' quality of life by reducing permanent change of station moves.
Efforts to enhance efficiency within the Department of Defense involve cutting $3.6 billion and nearly 45,000 civilian positions as part of workforce initiatives.
The bill also addresses international drug trafficking by allocating $1.15 billion for counter-drug programs and adjusting command jurisdictions for better coordination.
Additionally, it supports policies aligned with former President Trump's executive actions on diversity programs, free speech restoration, readiness improvements, UN funding withdrawal conditions, traditional marriage advocacy protections, abortion-related travel prohibitions, drag queen shows restrictions, and COVID mandates limitations.
A summary and full text of the bill are available online.
